Burial vault



Dec. 8, 1936. R. s. DONAHEY BURIAL VAULT 2 Sheets- Sheet 1 Filed April 24, 1936 7 Dec. 8, 1936. R. s. DONAHEY BURIAL VAULT Filed April 24, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 SYWWM R.S.,D0nah6} Patented Dec. 8, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BURIAL VAULT Richard S. Donahey, Columbus, Ohio Application April 24, 1936, Serial No. 76,285

2 Claims.

This invention relates to new and. useful im provements in burial vaults.

One object of my invention is to provide a novel form of burial vault made of vitrified clay, into which the casket may be easily and readily introduced from one end and the ends of the vault then secured in place above the ground. 7

A further object of my invention is to provide a burial vault of tubular or cylindrical form in cross section, which may be rendered air and moisture proof after the casket is placed in position and before subsequently lowering into the grave.

Another object of my invention is to provide a burial vault of the character specified which is very simple and economical in construction and may be manufactured from vitrified clay and ofiered to the public in the natural color or other attractive harmonious colors which will tend to lessen or counteract the depressing effect naturally associated to some extent with funerals.

Still another object of my invention is to provide an attractive base which, in addition to its ornamental effect, will serve the double function of a housing for the movable parts of the lowering mechanism and a cover for the excavated earth.

With the foregoing and other objects in view that will appear as the nature of my invention is better understood, the same consists in the novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings which are for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not drawn to scale:

Figure 1 is a perspective view, illustrating the application of my invention.

Figure 2 is an end view, partly in section, with the parts represented on an enlarged scale.

Figure 3 is a vertical transverse section, taken through one end of the burial tube or vault.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the burial tube or vault, partly in section, and Figure 5 is an enlarged detail sectional view of a modified form of my invention.

Referring to the drawings for a more particular description of my invention, and in which drawings like parts are designated by like reference characters throughout the several views, A designates the ornamental base, B the casket,

(o1. 27 35) C the burial tube or vault and D the lowering mechanism for the casket and vault.

The base A is formed with the fiat horizontal top I, stepped sides and ends 2 and 3, re-

spectively, and the hollow longitudinally dis- F 5 posed casings l, of triangular form in cross section, which are situated at the top and opposite sides of the base and form housings for the movable parts of the lowering mechanism D. The casket B may be of any ordinary or approved make new on the market, and the lowering mechanism for the casket and vault of any suitable construction of the type in which belts 5 are employed, and since these elements do not constitute any part of my present invention, further explanation in this connection is deemed unnecessary.

The burial tube or vault C, which is the essence or paramount feature of my present invention, is preferably moulded from vitrified clay and is of tubular or cylindrical form in cross section, as shown.

In carrying out my invention, the burial vault is provided in its body portion with a plurality of corresponding longitudinally disposed openings or passages 6. These openings or passages extend the full length of the tube or vault, as shown, and are spaced equi-distances apart around the circumference thereof. The aforesaid openings 6 serve a double purpose or function; first, they prevent sweating or exclude the entrance of moisture into the interior of the vault and thus protect the vault and casket against deterioration, and second,

serve as passages for the fastening rods or mem- 5 bers L The aforesaid rods I extend the full length of the burial tube or vault, and in conjunction with the nuts 8, provide fastening means for the end wall 9. A copper gasket 10 is interposed between the end wall 9 and the 40 corresponding end of the burial tube or vault and forms an air tight joint at this point.

In the modified form of my invention illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawings, the end wall 9 is formed on its inner face, with an annular 5 outer edge of the end wall and the adjacent end 50 of the burial tube to form a perfect air and water tight joint at this point.

Particular attention is invited to! the fact that the lower portion of the burial tube or vault is cast with a fiat horizontal transverse interior wall l3, which extends the full length of the tube and provides a rigid shelf or support for the casket. It will also be noted that the burial tube is provided at opposite ends with the transverse supporting feet or members M, which are preferably formed integral with the bottom surface of the tube and formed with straight fiat horizontal bottom edges l5 which rest firmly and directly on the belts 5 of the lowering mechanism, and prevent any lateral or side-wise movement of the vault and casket when the same are lowered into the ground.

In practice, the casket is introduced in a horizontal position into the burial tube or vault through one end of the latter, and rests firmly on the supporting shield or support. The end wall 9 is then secured in place above the ground and the vault and casket lowered into the grave.

While only one end of the burial tube or vault is open in the illustration shown, both ends may be made separate, if desired and secured in place by the same fastening rods and nuts described.

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the drawings, it is thought that the construction, operation and advantages of my invention will be readily understood, Without requiring a more extended explanation.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A burial vault comprising an elongated body portion moulded in tubular form, in one piece, from vitrified clay, said body portion formed with a plurality of longitudinally disposed openings extending the full length thereof and spaced around its circumference, a separate wall for one end of the body portion of the vault, fastening rods extending through corresponding openings in the body portion of the vault and through both end walls of the latter, and nuts screwed on one end of said fastening rods.

2. A burial vault comprising an elongated body portion moulded in tubular form, in one piece, from vitrified clay, said body portion formed with a plurality of longitudinally disposed openings extending the full length thereof and spaced around its circumference, a separate wall for one end of the body portion of the vault, fastening rods extending through corresponding openings in the body portion of the vault and through both end walls of the latter, nuts screwed on one end of said fastening rods, and a packing ring interposed between the separate end wall and the corresponding end of the vault.

RICHARD S. DONAHEY. 

